Chapter 193: Evil Cannot Prevail Over Good
Chapter 193: Evil Cannot Prevail Over Good
Everyone was stunned when they saw Li Chaowen kneel.
They naturally knew who the Newly Established Count was—he was their Martial Uncle.
But the problem was, even if their Martial Uncle arrived, a simple Taoist salute would have sufficed. Why kneel?
Moreover, Li Chaowen had already risen from obscurity to prominence. There was even a high probability that he would soar to great heights and be appointed as a Perfected Master.
This Perfected Master was a second-rank Taoist position.
Even during the founding of the Great Ming, the original Celestial Masters of Zhengyi Taoism were all referred to as Perfected Masters.
During the Hongwu era, when Celestial Master Zhang Yuchu came to pay respects to Emperor Taizu, a eunuch introduced him as a Perfected Master. Emperor Taizu shouted, “Does Heaven have a master? Change his title to Perfected Master.”
Thus, the Celestial Master Mansion on Dragon Tiger Mountain was temporarily renamed the Perfected Master Mansion, and the hereditary Celestial Masters all began calling themselves Perfected Masters.
Later, after Emperor Taizu’s reign, people began referring to them as Celestial Masters again. But even Zhang Celestial Master actually held the title of Perfected Master. There were only seven or eight Perfected Masters appointed by the Great Ming—very few indeed. If Li Chaowen became Perfected Master Li, he might not necessarily fear a Newly Established Count.
But…
The person who arrived was not their Martial Uncle—it was merely a servant of the Fang Family.
Looking at Deng Jian’s black attire beneath his straw rain cape, it was clear he was a low-ranking servant, not someone important.
Yet, in front of such a servant, Li Chaowen knelt, his face showing extreme piety and respect, completely devoid of the ease and calm he had displayed while talking with everyone earlier.
He even had to show the utmost respect to a mere dog of the Fang Family, which shocked the others. They widened their eyes and stared at him, utterly astonished.
But Li Chaowen knew very well in his heart who had given him everything he had.
He also had self-awareness: his Martial Uncle had used him to eliminate Zhang Chaoxian, and with a snap of his fingers, he could easily do the same to him.
The shadow of his Martial Uncle made him feel suffocated.
He had now become a Taoist who could command wind and rain. In the future, he was very likely to be appointed as a Perfected Master, succeed Zhang Chaoxian, and take control of Longquan Taoist Temple. He might even have many disciples and grand-disciples in the years to come. But he understood better than anyone that in front of his Martial Uncle, he was nothing.
It was his Martial Uncle who could foresee destiny—he was the one who had made Li Chaowen who he was.
To maintain his current status, he had to show the utmost respect to his Martial Uncle. As for what others thought—did it really matter?
It seemed important, but he didn’t care.
Care? Not a chance! Without his Martial Uncle, he would already be wandering the streets, his fate unknown.
His sudden action even startled Deng Jian. It was raining, and the ground was muddy. With that one kneel, the dignified Li Chaowen instantly turned into a mud-covered figure, looking utterly disheveled.
But Li Chaowen seemed not to care at all. Instead, he spoke with the utmost respect, “This humble Taoist awaits his Martial Uncle’s instructions.”
Raindrops pelted his body, but he acted as if he didn’t feel them, appearing even content.
Seeing Li Chaowen’s deference, Deng Jian felt uneasy instead. He thought to himself, “Has this man also contracted a brain illness?” Frowning beneath his straw rain cape, he awkwardly spoke up moments later.
“The Young Lord says that after such a long drought, the fields of Longquan Taoist Temple remain uncultivated. It’s already the middle of the year, and it might be too late to plant other grains. Starting today, all villagers must plant the old ginseng from the Western Hills. Anyone who disobeys will have their leased land immediately reclaimed.”
The Taoists behind him erupted in murmurs.
What old ginseng? They had never heard of it—this was sheer nonsense.
The manor fields were Longquan Taoist Temple’s greatest source of income. Although the temple managed multiple ventures, such a major expense was no joke. How could they rashly plant other crops, especially ones they had never heard of? Now that the rain had finally come, shouldn’t they rush to plant grains? By the end of the year, they might still harvest some food. But if they pursued this reckless plan, what would become of them?
This was not a matter to agree to lightly—it could lead to disaster.
If they agreed, they would ruin everyone at Longquan Taoist Temple.
So the Taoists all widened their eyes, staring at Li Chaowen kneeling on the ground, hoping he would refuse such an unreasonable demand.
But Li Chaowen did not hesitate in the slightest. Instead, he spoke earnestly:
“This humble Taoist has received the instruction. Please inform my Martial Uncle that this is a small matter. Since my Martial Uncle has given the order, I will comply without exception.”
He… agreed?
The Taoists were horrified and stared at Li Chaowen in confusion, their lips trembling slightly. Had he really agreed just like that?
Li Chaowen ignored their gazes. Instead, he stood up and smiled warmly as he saw Deng Jian off.
“Take care. The path is slippery in the rain.”
Deng Jian rode off quickly to report back.
As soon as Li Chaowen turned around, he saw numerous Taoists staring at him, stunned. Just moments ago, he had seemed humble and respectful, but the moment he turned, he regained his lofty, arrogant demeanor.
“As for Zhang Chaoxian…”
Hearing Zhang Chaoxian’s name, the Taoists instinctively pricked up their ears.
Li Chaowen narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing into the temple. A cold smile tugged at his lips before he spoke casually:
“I will report his crimes to the Celestial Master Mansion and the Taoist Registry Department. All of you should take this as a warning.”
Whoosh…
In the rain, every Taoist’s heart skipped a beat. They believed Zhang Chaoxian was completely finished.
A Taoist who had just commanded wind and rain and resolved a major crisis for the imperial court would surely be treated like a revered elder by the Taoist Registry Department. As for the Celestial Master Mansion on Dragon Tiger Mountain, this rain-praying ritual had spread the fame of Zhengyi Taoism far and wide. They would undoubtedly grant Li Chaowen any request he made.
Within Longquan Taoist Temple, aside from their Master, anyone who stood in Li Chaowen’s way would die. That old dog Zhang Chaoxian was the perfect example.
Everyone shuddered. Some had initially wanted to advise against the old ginseng, arguing that it sounded suspicious and that caution was needed. Or perhaps they could set aside a few dozen acres for trial planting. Besides, the tenant farmers might not agree either.
But now… those who had considered voicing such concerns swallowed their words entirely.
Everyone burst into cheers: “Brother, you have restored order! By eliminating that old dog Zhang Chaoxian, you have brought justice back to Longquan Taoist Temple.”
Li Chaowen brushed the mud off his clothes and casually scanned the Taoists with a faint smile. “Of course. After all… evil cannot prevail over good!”
The sky cleared.
The heavy rain that had lasted for several days nearly caused a flood, scaring Zhu Houzhao so much that he considered packing his bags and fleeing.
When the rain finally stopped, he breathed a long sigh of relief. If the rain they had desperately prayed for ended up flooding the Capital, that would be disastrous.
Today was a grand occasion. After the Palace Examination, the newly selected Zhuangyuan, having been personally approved by the Emperor, would be escorted by officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites. Carrying the Imperial Edict and announcing their arrival with a brass gong, our Zhuangyuan Ouyang Zhi, dressed in red robes with palace flowers adorning his hat, rode a tall horse down the Imperial Way of the Imperial City, receiving the admiration of the people. Because he carried the Emperor’s Imperial Edict, all officials, upon hearing the proclamation, had to kneel in welcome, kowtow to the edict, and shout, “Long live the Emperor!”
Seated atop the tall horse, Ouyang Zhi was so moved that tears welled in his eyes. With the brass gong clearing the way ahead and banners proclaiming “Top Candidate,” “Eternal Honor,” and the like following behind, Ouyang Zhi recalled his wedding day, when he had also ridden a tall horse, filled with similar pride and exuberance.
Passersby gazed in envy, while officials knelt along the Imperial Way. He paraded through the streets, enjoying an honor unlike any other.
If not for his Mentor, how could he have achieved such a day?
For a moment, Ouyang Zhi was deeply moved by the scene. As he looked at the towering walls of the Forbidden City and the bell and drum towers not far from the Imperial Way, he wept tears of joy.
Soon after, a banquet was held in the Imperial Palace to honor the new Metropolitan Graduates.
This banquet was largely ceremonial. Often, the Emperor would make an appearance and then depart.
Who wanted to eat with them anyway?
But Emperor Hongzhi was in high spirits. Leading the Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat to the Hall of Prudent Cultivation, he took his seat.
The Metropolitan Graduates rose and bowed in respect.
Emperor Hongzhi glanced around at everyone and smiled as he spoke. “Rise, all of you. You are all pillars of the state. There is no need for excessive courtesy.”
Everyone sat down.
Ouyang Zhi, Tang Yin, and Liu Wenshan, being among the Top Three Candidates, were seated at the foremost positions.
Emperor Hongzhi’s authoritative gaze fell on Ouyang Zhi. Compared to the excitement of the others, Ouyang Zhi’s composure left a profound impression on him.
This young man was truly rare—so steady and unshakable.
Emperor Hongzhi sighed inwardly before smiling and addressing him. “Minister Ouyang.”
Silence…
A moment later, Ouyang Zhi responded belatedly, “Your servant is here.”
Emperor Hongzhi couldn’t help but slap his thigh in admiration. Truly, this man concealed great depth. He spoke with the maturity and gravity of a seasoned official, and when called, his expression remained unchanged—so unhurried and unflustered, embodying the demeanor of ancient virtuous ministers.
Fang Jifan… taught his disciples well.
Excellent indeed.
Emperor Hongzhi was very satisfied, nodding repeatedly, a smile gracing his face.
“You are the Zhuangyuan, and I host this banquet in your honor. Why do you not show any sign of joy?”
Ouyang Zhi paused again before slowly replying, “Your servant does not find joy in wine and meat.”
Emperor Hongzhi’s eyes sparkled, his face lighting up. These words greatly pleased the Emperor.
He raised an eyebrow and inquired with keen interest, “Then what brings you joy?”
Ouyang Zhi hesitated for a moment, his eyes showing not the slightest fluctuation.
To be honest, if such a person existed in later times, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to have him committed to a mental institution. But here, on this occasion, compared to others who were filled with surprise, astonishment, or anxiety, his demeanor was exceptionally rare.
Ouyang Zhi thought for a moment and answered truthfully.
“If my Esteemed Mentor is joyful, then I am joyful. If my Esteemed Mentor is not, I am filled with constant unease.”
“…” Emperor Hongzhi was taken aback once more. This reply truly exceeded his expectations, leaving him quite astonished.
Then, his eyes met those of Liu Jian standing nearby, and he could sense Liu Jian’s admiration.
And Emperor Hongzhi… was also filled with extreme admiration.
His Esteemed Mentor’s happiness was his happiness; his Esteemed Mentor’s displeasure left him anxious and unsettled. What was this? This was reverence for one’s teacher.